Shipston High School’s £7m Sports Facilities Project Kicks Off
In a significant boost for sports education and community engagement, Shipston High School in Warwickshire is set to receive a £7m upgrade to its sports facilities. The project, spearheaded by Ashe Construction, will deliver a modern, multi-use sports hall and state-of-the-art changing rooms, addressing the growing needs of the school and local community.
A Multi-Use Hall for Diverse Sports
The new sports facilities will adhere to Sport England guidelines, ensuring they meet the highest standards for sports education and community use. The multi-use hall will feature space for four badminton courts, a full-size basketball court, and areas for indoor football. Additionally, cricket nets will be included, providing a comprehensive range of sports options for students and the wider community.
Design and Build Features
The design and build project, led by Ashe Construction, will incorporate sustainable and energy-efficient technologies. Air source heat pumps and solar panels will power the new building, while high-level natural light via polycarbonate panels will enhance the user experience. The sports hall will also feature a floor system specified for low energy heating, making it an environmentally friendly space that can double as an exam hall.
Modern Changing Rooms with Accessibility
Accompanying the sports hall, new changing rooms will be constructed to accommodate 41 pupils in each room. These facilities will include benches and lockers, ensuring students have everything they need for their sports activities. The design also prioritizes accessibility, with ramped access and dedicated facilities for disabled users, making the space inclusive for all.
Minimizing Disruption During Construction
Ashe Construction’s Contract Manager, Ben Wandless, emphasized the team’s commitment to minimizing disruption to the school’s day-to-day activities. “The existing gym can no longer accommodate the number of pupils at the school. The new building will provide the latest equipment and the ideal environment for the pupils to play sports and have their PE classes,” Wandless said. “We’re very familiar with the school and will ensure that any disruption is kept to a minimum.”
Benefits for Students and the Community
Acting Head Teacher at Shipston High School, Jordan Allsworth, expressed excitement about the project. “Our students have a real love for sport, and these new facilities will give them the perfect environment to pursue that passion. Having access to a modern, purpose-built sports hall means they can enjoy a wide range of activities in an inspiring space that promotes teamwork, resilience, and a lifelong commitment to physical activity. This is an exciting step forward for our school and our community.”
Community Access Outside School Hours
The new gym facilities will not only benefit students but also the wider community. By being available for public use outside of school times, the facilities will serve as a hub for local sports and physical activity, fostering a healthier community spirit.
A Year-Long Project with Significant Investment
The £7m project is set to be delivered over a year, with around 40 operatives working on the contract at its peak. This significant investment comes after several phases of refurbishment undertaken by Ashe at the school over recent years, including a nine-classroom teaching block in 2017, a new server room and IT suite in 2023, and upgrades to classrooms and science labs in 2024. The construction team also refurbished design & technology, woodwork, and graphics rooms, along with improvements for students learning textiles and food tech.
Conclusion
The upcoming sports facilities at Shipston High School represent a major milestone in the school’s development, enhancing its ability to provide top-notch sports education and community services. With sustainable design and modern amenities, the new facilities are poised to inspire the next generation of athletes and promote a culture of physical activity in the community.
